GIG REVIEW | SPLIT SECONDS DING DONG LOUNGE

SPLIT SECONDS

In support their latest album You’ll Turn Into Me, Split Seconds took to the Ding
Dong for a night of intimate and emotional rock tunes performed with a carefree
attitude.

Bayou kicked off the proceedings with a casual set as the crowd filtered through
the doors of the venue. The five-piece slow danced their way through the
evening as they delivered the audience a dreamlike brand of noise rock. The
guitars laden with effects, and dual female harmonies abound, Bayou presented a
dense sound that pricked the ears of those present and warmed up the room for
what was to come.

Building on this energy, a group of five ragtag young men stumbled on stage and
announced themselves as Dirt Farmer. Their bright and sunny indie pop inspired
movement in the previously frozen room as a small group of punters initiated
a dance floor. Distinguishing their sound from other bands with similar post-
Strokes garage rock sensibilities, Dirt Farmer employed the use of a harmonica,
setting off the climax to more than a couple of their tunes. Mics were shared and
toes were tapped as these Melbournians delivered a bustling set.

At the time of Split Seconds arrival, the room had finally filled and was ready
to cut loose. The self-described ‘Perthies lost in Melbourne’ contradicted this
statement as they played as if they owned not only the Ding Dong, but the entire
city. With a sound beckoning for a stage larger than the one they performed
upon, Split Seconds’ passionate rock n roll took influence from a range of sources
that resulted in a dynamic set brimming with sentiment and energy.

The banter was blokey, as the band joked around and talked footy, and these
Perth boys seemed completely in their element despite being miles from home.
The hooks and harmonies of ‘Bed Down’ captivated the audience, while ‘No
Dramas’ sensitivity showed that the band actually did care about something
other than the Dockers’ latest win. However, the highlight seemed to be ‘Top
Floor’ as the dance floor ignited to the prancing rhythm of You’ll Turn Into Me’s
lead single.

Charged and excited to be there, Split Seconds performed with conviction
to a crowd that is sure to grow as their debut album picks up steam. Seeing
these personable fellows perform in such an informal setting was fitting for
the intimacy of their song craft, and the passion for their music was evident.
Returning in October in support of Oh Mercy, Split seconds are certainly ones to
keep an eye on.